Aaron Hernandez Charged With Murder

Wearing a white T-shirt, red gym shorts and black sneakers, Aaron Hernandez was arrested Wednesday at 8:47 a.m. at his home by a group of state and local police detectives. He was marched down his driveway, a slice of real estate that's had a starring role on newscasts for more than a week, and Hernandez was stuffed in the back of an Attleboro Police cruiser.

About six hours later, Hernandez was arraigned in district court and formally charged with the first-degree murder of Odin Lloyd and five other firearm-related charges.

Shortly after he was arrested Wednesday morning, the Patriots dropped the tight end like a bad habit. The team issued the following statement, initially broadcasting the transaction on its Twitter feed:

"A young man was murdered last week and we extend our sympathies to the family and friends who mourn his loss. Words cannot express the disappointment we feel knowing that one of our players was arrested as a result of this investigation. We realize that law enforcement investigations into this matter are ongoing. We support their efforts and respect the process. At this time, we believe this transaction is simply the right thing to do."

In just over a week, Hernandez, 23, lost an endorsement deal with Muscle Milk and now he's lost his freedom. This is not to overshadow the fact that Lloyd also lost his life.

And Tim Tebow just became the favorite to become the starting tight end in New England when the season starts in September.

After more than a week of investigation, Hernandez was arrested and charged with Lloyd's murder. He was discovered last Monday in an industrial clearing not far from Hernandez's home with a bullet wound in his head. Published reports indicate he was shot execution-style. In court Wednesday, cellphone, video, and text message evidence revealed that Hernandez was in contact with Lloyd before the murder is believed to have taken place, according to prosecutors, who have been building a detailed case since June 17.

It had been speculated last week that an arrest warrant with Hernandez's name on it had been drafted in connection with obstruction of justice charges. Police were interested in seeing surveillance video from his home, but the security system there was reportedly destroyed, as was the cellphone Hernandez turned over to cops, according to published reports. Police were also said to be interested in why Hernandez hired a house cleaning service to scrub his home after Lloyd's body was discovered by a jogger.

Stick with football.com for more details as they emerge in this unfolding case.